Late Period & Possible Pregnancy: Symptoms & Next Steps

Question
I have always had regular cycles, 29 days or less.  I am on day 35 and no period in sight.  I took an HPT and it was negative.  I am bloated and my breasts have been tender.  Is there any way I am pregnant?  (we have been trying)  What else can be wrong?  What would you recommend I do at this point since I am a week late?
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Michele,

The symptoms you describe are hormonal in nature and can be related to early pregnancy or to hormone fluctuations within our cycles. That is why it is so difficult to "diagnose" pregnancy based on symptoms alone.

You may simply have tested too early. Although HPTs claim accuracy on the 1st day of a missed period, this is often too early for many women. I usually recommend that women wait until the full week after a missed or spotty period before testing.

I would suggest that if you have not gotten a period in the next 4-5 days that you re-test. Make sure that you use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results. If that is also negative, simply keep trying to conceive - having sex at least every 3 days if possible throughout this next cycle (since you won't know when to expect ovulation except by cervical mucus). If you continue to have symptoms and no period, you can test every 7 days or so. Some women just can't get a positive reading as soon as they should.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda